The word courage is an integral part of our school’s mission, forming a triad with vision and integrity, that helps to guide us everyday.  Courage can mean a lot of things to different people but Webster’s definition is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.”
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The public performances that PNA puts on each year, from the Winter Concert, to Martin Luther King Day activities, to the Spring Shows offer an authentic opportunity for students of all ages (3 year olds to 8th graders) to practice having courage.

In the recent Winter Concert for example, students found the strength within themselves to stand up in front of a huge audience and perform.  Whether it was singing a song, playing an instrument, reciting poetry, or doing sign language, there was the chance for mistakes and very public ones at that.  Nerves were running high, but by the way the students performed, it was hard to pick up on.  For some, performing in front of an audience is easy and happily anticipated; for others, it is a worrisome and dreadful experience.  However, our students continually step up and do the hard things, maybe not without fear, but definitely with courage.